Yuta

Tucked beside the escalator at Orchard Plaza, a small blue-covered shop sits quietly in an otherwise obscure corner of the mall. Behind this minimalist façade lies Yuta, the Japanese omakase spot we were visiting. If I had casually walked past it, I might have easily mistaken it for just another storage unit within the mall.

Yuta

Sliding open the door, I was surprised to find an intimate chef-curated counter dining space that seats about 12–24 guests. The setting felt warm and inviting under the soft lighting, with a minimalist theme that kept the focus on the omakase experience.

Settings of Yuta

For $115 per pax, we enjoyed an 11-course Japanese omakase experience. The menu refreshes every two weeks, featuring highlights such as a selection of sashimi, sushi, and charcoal-grilled dishes.

Menu

The 4-flight pairing began with the Narutotai Junmai Daiginjo, setting a delicate and elegant tone right from the start. Light and smooth on the palate, it carried subtle fruity and floral notes with a clean finish. Its refined profile made it an easy introduction to the pairing, gently complementing the dishes without overpowering them.

Narutotai Junmai Daijinjo

For those who are driving, it’s always best to stick to non-alcoholic beverages for road safety. This chilled apple juice was a refreshing alternative, offering a light sweetness that was both pleasant and easy to enjoy alongside the meal.

Cloudy Apple

Zensai

Starting off with their Zensai (appetizer), we were served a plump and creamy Hokkaido scallop in a refreshing yuzu ponzu sauce, topped with a sprinkle of roe. The dish was bright and appetising, and together with the fresh oyster, it made a wonderful and refreshing start to the omakase experience.

Hokkaido Oyster

Oyatsu

A Japanese-style snack. It featured Japanese bamboo shoots and okra, neatly wrapped and beautifully presented over a rich sesame sauce, adding a nutty depth to the dish.

Seasonal Japanese Snack

Usuzukuri

For the Usuzukuri, which refers to the Japanese technique of thinly slicing, we were served a sashimi selection featuring Hokkaido scallop, prawn, and Shima Aji. The delicate slices highlighted the natural freshness and sweetness of the seafood.

Sashimi

Another sake in the pairing was Tengumai Tokubetsu Junmai (天狗舞 特別純米), a well-known label from Ishikawa Prefecture. This sake carries a richer and more structured profile, with savoury umami notes and a slightly dry finish. Compared to lighter styles, its fuller body paired wonderfully with dishes that had deeper flavours, such as the charcoal-grilled items and richer seafood courses. The balance of umami and acidity helped cleanse the palate while enhancing the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

Tengumai Tokubetsu Junmai (天狗舞 特別純米)

Sumiyaki

Featuring charcoal-grilled A5 Japanese Wagyu. The three slices of melt-in-your-mouth beef were paired with pickled wasabi, smoked salt and truffle garlic, simple accompaniments that elevated the rich flavours beautifully.

A5 Japanese Wagyu

Osusume

Next came the Osusume, which in Japanese translates to “recommendation.” This chef’s special resembled a mini rice burger, with salmon belly sandwiched between layers of rice. We were told to mix the grated radish into the dashi broth before enjoying it, much like an ochazuke-style dish.

Chef's Special

One of the sake served during the pairing was Hatsu-Ayu (初鮎), a refreshing nama (unpasteurised) sake known for its clean and lively character. Light, crisp and slightly fruity on the palate, it paired beautifully with the delicate seafood courses such as the sashimi and sushi. The freshness of the sake complemented the natural sweetness of the seafood, enhancing the overall balance of flavours throughout the omakase experience.

Hatsu Ayu 初鮎

Agemono

The Agemono (fried dish) was beautifully presented, featuring a prawn that was deep-fried and wrapped with potato and edamame. It was served with a rich curry cheese sauce that added a creamy and savoury touch to the crispy textures.

Fried Dish

Nigiri

Next, we enjoyed a trio of sushi featuring Hirame (flounder), Kanpachi (amberjack) and snow crab. Each piece was delicately prepared, allowing the natural sweetness and freshness of the seafood to shine.

Sushi

YUTA Signature

Next came YUTA’s signature Uni Rice Bowl, featuring two types of uni, with the sweeter variety placed on top. The rich sea urchin was meant to be gently mixed into the rice, creating a creamy and indulgent bite.

Uni Rice Bowl

Temaki

Next came the Anago handroll, packed generously and wrapped in crisp seaweed. The combination of the soft, sweet eel and the crunchy nori made every bite especially satisfying.

Seasonal Handroll

Wanmono

This homemade chicken soup served as a comforting collagen booster, slow-cooked for six hours using chicken thigh. Fragrant and nourishing, it was simple yet satisfying and truly hit the right spot.

Soup

Another interesting sake in the pairing was Sanuki Cloudy (讃岐くらうでぃ), a lightly cloudy nigori-style sake known for its creamy and mellow character. Slightly sweet with a soft lactic note, it almost reminded us of a smooth yoghurt-like texture. Served chilled, its gentle sweetness and milky body paired nicely with richer dishes, helping to soften stronger flavours while adding a refreshing contrast to the savoury elements of the omakase.

讃岐くらうでぃ (Sanuki Cloudy)

Dessert

This homemade chicken soup served as a comforting collagen booster, slow-cooked for six hours using chicken thigh. Fragrant and nourishing, it was simple yet satisfying and truly hit the right spot.

Yuzu Sorbet

Overall, the visit to Yuta was a pleasant and enjoyable experience. For the 11-course omakase menu, I would say it offers good value and is well worth the price. If you’re looking to surprise your date or simply treat someone who enjoys Japanese omakase, Yuta makes for a lovely and intimate dining spot.

YUTA
Location: Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Rd, #02-12, Singapore 238841

雙月 Moon Moon Food (Ngee Ann City)

The soon-to-be birthday girl called for a gathering at Moon Moon Food, as she had yet to try it in Singapore. Since the restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide, we gladly made our way there for the meal. Moon Moon Food also has several outlets across Singapore, including those at VivoCity and JEM.

Moon Moon Food

We started off with the 3 Braised Dishes ($10.80) while waiting for our friends to arrive. Interestingly, the three items were served on a plate resembling the shape of Taiwan, which added a nice little touch to the presentation.

From left to right: Pork Big Intestines, Pork Moon Bone, and Pig’s Skin. All three were well braised and packed with flavour, with a savoury sauce that coated the meats nicely.

One small pit peeve though, the large intestines had a slight smell, perhaps suggesting that a little more cleaning could have been done.

Braised Dish - $10.80

A good start with the Taiwanese-Style Salty Chicken Salad. The chicken comes in chunky pieces, tossed with red onions, corn, broccoli and even apples. It was very appetizing, with an addictive balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Taiwanese-style Salty Chicken Salad 夜市人生咸水鸡 - $8.80

When visiting the night markets in Taiwan, crispy chicken is almost always a must-order snack. Served here with crackers and pickles, it makes a great sharing dish, perfect for gathering around, chatting, and popping piece after piece into your mouth. 😋

Taiwanese Salty Crispy Poppers 考试满分盐酥鸡 - $10.80

Anything with clams instantly excites me for the natural sweetness they release into the soup. Together with the ginger, it adds a refreshing lift, while the chicken broth brings everything together in a comforting and well-balanced bowl.

Chicken Soup with Clam 白玉蛤蜊熬鸡腿汤 - $23.80 

It begins with a gentle simmer. The sweet aroma of winter melon slowly rises as the chef’s marinated chicken and assorted vegetables are added. A nourishing, heartwarming pot that’s meant to be shared.

Four Seasons Winter Melon Pot 四季冬瓜锅 - $32.80

A comforting bowl of soup from the Four Seasons Winter Melon Pot, where the natural sweetness of the marinated chicken is beautifully elevated by the addition of red dates and goji berries.

Bowl of Soup

The noodles were well tossed in fragrant shallot oil, giving them a beautiful uniform colour and sheen. Neatly twirled into a bundle and served so presentably, it looked almost too good to disturb before digging in.

Shallot Oil Noodle 爱情葱葱面 - $12.80

The glutinous rice with mushroom and pork was fragrant and comforting, with a salted egg yolk hidden within. It kind of reminded us of bak zhang, though it was slightly milder and lacking the punch of stronger aromatics.

Glutinous Rice with Mushroom and Pork - $8.80

The Braised Pork Rice was excellent. The pork was well braised with rich savoury notes, without being overly salty or sweet. The flavours were nicely balanced and paired wonderfully with the scoops of fluffy white rice.

Braised Pork Rice 油金卤肉饭 - $6.80

We originally wanted to order the 3 Cups Chicken, but it was sold out, so we replaced it with the Stir-Fried Clams with Basil. It turned out to be a great alternative as the flavours earned approving nods around the table. The clams were well cooked with onions, red peppers and basil leaves, while the savoury-sweet gravy carried a nice depth of cooking sauce that made it especially satisfying.

Stir-Fry Clam With Basil 塔香戏弄炒蛤蜊 - $22.80

Simply and well executed with mushrooms and ginger strips. The fish was fresh with no fishy taste, allowing the light soy sauce to bring out its natural flavours beautifully.

Grandma's Steamed Cod Fish Steak 阿嬷爱心蒸鳕鱼 - $36.80

Slices of fish maw and sweet napa cabbage sat in a slightly gooey golden broth that was comforting and delicious. While the dish looked a little muted in its orangey-yellow tones, the bright red goji berries on top added a lovely pop of colour to lift its presentation.

Fish Maw and Napa Cabbage in Golden Broth 金汤鱼鳔烩娃娃菜- $17.80

Overall, our visit to Moon Moon Food was a comforting and enjoyable dining experience. The dishes carried familiar Taiwanese flavours that were simple yet satisfying, making them great for sharing around the table. While some dishes stood out more than others, the meal as a whole felt homely and hearty, the kind of food that brings people together for a warm and relaxed gathering. It was definitely a pleasant way to celebrate and spend time with good company over comforting Taiwanese fare.

雙月 Moon Moon Food (Ngee Ann City)
Location: 391A Orchard Rd, #05-30, Singapore 238873

Mosella

Nestled within the elegant Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore, Mosella was a place I never quite imagined myself stepping into until now.

Pan Pacific Orchard

It was my first visit, and once again, thanks to my sibling for the opportunity to experience this beautiful dining spot. 

Therapeutic to my eyes

Truth be told, it’s one of those places I would have admired from afar, never expecting that one day I would be walking through its doors, ready to discover what it has to offer.

Mosella

Upon stepping into Mosella, I was immediately taken in by its stunning interior. The restaurant was softly dim-lit, creating a gentle and calming atmosphere that instantly set the mood for a relaxed dining experience. The warm ambient lighting cast a beautiful glow across the space, enhancing the elegant textures of the furnishings and the modern design. Coupled with the high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space felt both luxurious and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to unwind and indulge in a thoughtfully prepared meal.

Ambiance

While waiting for our dishes to arrive, we were served a basket of their warm bread. It was thoughtfully cut into quarters, making it easy to share around the table. The bread was soft and comforting, especially when paired with the herb butter, which added a light aromatic touch. Alongside it was a dish of olive oil, perfect for dipping and enhancing the bread’s natural flavour. It was a simple gesture, but one that made the wait feel all the more pleasant and welcoming.

Starters

The Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast was a refreshing and delightful start to the meal. Crisp romaine lettuce formed the base, tossed lightly so every leaf carried that familiar creamy Caesar dressing without feeling overly heavy. The grilled chicken breast was tender and juicy, adding a satisfying heartiness to the dish. Crunchy garlic croutons and smoky bacon bits brought texture and depth, while the anchovies added that subtle savoury umami touch that makes a Caesar salad truly complete. Finished with a generous shaving of parmesan cheese, the salad struck a beautiful balance between richness and freshness, making it both comforting and appetising.

Classic Caesar Salad - $20

Aesthetically beautiful and well-presented, the dish arrived with four golden breaded pieces, each topped with vibrant bell pepper salsa and accompanied by saffron aioli.

Spanner Crab Croquettes - $22 (4 pcs)

The exterior was wonderfully crispy, giving way to a soft, creamy and mashy interior as our teeth sank in. The contrast of textures, paired with the rich saffron aioli and the slight sweetness from the bell pepper salsa, made every bite feel truly heavenly.

Look at its Fillings

The Gambas Al Ajillo was truly addictive and quickly became one of the highlights of the meal. The Spanish-style king prawns were beautifully cooked, with the prawn meat remaining plump, firm and wonderfully succulent. Each bite was richly coated in the fragrant garlic oil, infused with a gentle heat from the chilli and lifted by the freshness of parsley. The sauce itself was incredibly flavourful,  aromatic, savoury and slightly spicy, making it perfect to mop up with the warm bread. It was one of those dishes that kept you going back for more without hesitation.

Gambas Al Ajillo - $32

The Signature Spanish Paella with Red Prawn Carabinero was a showstopper and perfect for sharing between two. The paella arrived with a beautiful layer of glistening rice, crowned by a striking red prawn and complemented with calamari. Each grain of rice was deeply infused with the rich sofrito and saffron, delivering an umami-laden flavour that was both robust and comforting. The rice was wonderfully potent, with every mouthful coated in the savoury essence of the seafood and spices. Paired with the natural sweetness and succulence of the prized Carabinero prawn, the dish felt indulgent, hearty and incredibly satisfying.

Spanish Paella - $72

It almost felt like you can never go wrong with this choice. The Australian Wagyu Striploin, MBS 7+, 300g, arrived looking absolutely inviting, accompanied by a generous dollop of creamy mashed potato and chargrilled vegetables on the side.

Australian Wagyu Striploin - $68

We opted for medium doneness, and it was executed beautifully, the meat was tender, juicy and easy to cut through, with a lovely pink centre. What stood out most was the light char on the exterior, which added a smoky depth and enhanced the natural richness of the wagyu. Each bite was flavourful and satisfying, especially when paired with the smooth mashed potato and the sweetness of the grilled vegetables.

Juicy!

This dessert instantly reminded me of a little igloo sitting delicately on the plate. Its exterior shell was made entirely of meringue, light, airy and sweet, with a crisp texture that gave a satisfying crack as we gently broke into it.

Red Berries Pavlova - $12 

Inside, it revealed a luscious filling of red berries compote paired with smooth vanilla chantilly cream. The berries brought a lovely tangy freshness that balanced the sweetness of the meringue, while the chantilly added a rich, creamy finish. It was not only visually charming, but also a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Too pretty to break, but so worth it when we did.

Mosella was truly a memorable first visit, impressing with its beautiful ambiance and thoughtfully executed dishes, making it a place I’d gladly return to for another indulgent dining experience.

Mosella
Location: Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore 10 Claymore Rd, Singapore 229540
Website

Nong Geng Ji (Orchard Gateway)

 A visit to Nong Geng Ji at Orchard Gateway felt like galloping into the Chinese New Year with their fragrant and hearty homestyle cooking, perfect for a reunion feast.

Follow The Signage to Nong Geng Ji

We visited the outlet at Basement 1 and were impressed by the crowd despite its rather tucked-away location in the mall.

Hunan Home-Style Cuisine Nong Geng Ji

As always, the restaurant stood out with its signature green neon lightings, with the business name flanking the auspicious red logo that symbolises the Chinese character “农” (Nong).

Entrance of Nong Geng Ji in Orchard Gateway

No Chinese meal is complete without steamed rice, and here they serve it in a unique way, cooked in a pressure cooker with sweet potato and red dates mixed in, adding a subtle sweetness and aroma to the staple carbs.

Steamed Rice with Sweet Potato and Dates 高压锅红薯米饭

Once we settled our orders, the staff promptly set up a gas-can operated stove for the Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic right at our table.

Big Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic 蒜容大虾仁

The vermicelli soaked up the savoury garlic sauce beautifully, delivering a well-balanced bite bursting with umami goodness.

Yums!

The Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth was reminiscent of comforting home-cooked dishes. Each serving was thoughtfully presented on a wooden holder with a porcelain pot resting on it, allowing us to enjoy the soup without scalding our hands. The dish came with thick-cut lotus roots and a generous piece of pork.

Lotus Root with Superior Pork Broth 排骨莲藕汤

The Steamed Pork Ribs with Mixed Grains were flavourful, with added natural sweetness from the softened pumpkin. It paired wonderfully with the bowl of rice.

Steamed Pork Ribs with Mixed Grains 杂粮粉蒸排骨

The Dry-Fried Green Beans with Preserved Mustard Greens reminded us of yet another comforting home-style dish. It was non-spicy and paired very well with the rice.

Dry-Fried Green Beans with Preserved Mustard Greens 芽菜干煸四季豆

The Pressure-Cooked Pineapple Chicken was commendable. The chicken absorbed the sauce thoroughly and was so tender that the meat fell off the bone easily. We especially enjoyed drenching the flavourful sauce over our rice. While the pineapple note wasn’t very pronounced, it was still a delightful dish from the menu.

Pressure-Cooked Pineapple Chicken 凤梨酱香压锅鸡

As for the Braised Oxtail with Quail Eggs, everyone at the table gave their nods of approval. The oxtail was slow-braised to melting tenderness, while the quail eggs soaked up the rich, savoury sauce. It may feel indulgent, but if you enjoy oxtail, this is a dish worth trying.

Braised Oxtail with Quail Eggs 鹌鹑蛋烧牛尾

Overall, it was great to experience their festive offerings. We thoroughly enjoyed the Chinese New Year dishes and the lively dining atmosphere.

Nong Geng Ji (Orchard Gateway)
Location: 277 Orchard Rd, #B1-13, Singapore 238858